Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I am taking the matter on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Mary Harney, Minister for Health and Children. I thank Deputy Thomas Byrne for raising this very sad issue and extend my sincere sympathies to the family of the deceased at this difficult time.

I understand that an internal review of the circumstances pertaining to the death of the lady concerned and her infant son at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda was carried out. The scope of the review covered the period from the woman's first antenatal specialist consultation in November 2006 to the time of her death and the death of her son in March 2007. The review team was chaired by a consultant obstetrician and its membership included a consultant anaesthetist, a director of midwifery and the risk assessor for the HSE north east. The review group was asked to examine protocols and procedures relevant to the incident, taking into account prevailing standards of best practice, and to prepare a written report for the HSE north east hospital network manager to include such recommendations as it saw fit.

The Department is advised that the review has now been completed and that the resulting report has been given to the family. The family has also been offered professional support at this most difficult time. Relevant hospital personnel have also been briefed on the contents of the report and its recommendations. The HSE has said that it is assessing the recommendations as a priority. I also understand that the coroner is due to hold an inquest in respect of the case.

The enhancement of maternity service provision and development in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital is being addressed. For example, three additional consultant anaesthetists were appointed in 2007, which has facilitated the provision of dedicated consultant anaesthetist obstetric cover seven days per week. The HSE has also approved an additional 22 midwives. This has raised the approved midwifery staffing complement to 88.6. I understand that all but six of these posts have been filled. Along with the increases in staffing levels, the HSE advises that it has strengthened the governance and communications structures to address some of the main issues highlighted during the review. I understand that the Minister does not propose to comment further at this time out of respect for the deceased and the family.

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